Kittie Knox

Katherine Towle Knox (October 7, 1874 – October 11, 1900) was a bicycling barrier breaker and early African American member of the League of American Wheelmen (LAW).

Bicycling career Knox joined LAW in 1893. The organization changed its constitution to only allow white members in 1894. Knox persisted in her membership despite sometimes being denied access particularly while attending a LAW national meet in Asbury Park, NJ. She was a strong rider, participating in century rides. During this time, women were expected to wear long skirts when engaging in physical activity. However, Kittie Knox defied gender norms by wearing baggy trousers (bloomers) when cycling and riding a man's bike with a single gear and no brakes. Unlike her male counterparts, much attention was given to her appearance and wardrobe. Kittie had one older brother, Ernest Knox, who worked as a steamfitter. At the time, the Boston West End was an impoverished area and had limited opportunities for people of color. Knox found work as a seamstress, which allowed her to express her creativity and design her own cycling costumes. A headstone was erected for her by family members on September 29, 2013.

Legacy In 2019, the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, named the Kittie Knox Bike Path after her. The path connects Broadway and Binney Street in Cambridge.

In 2022, MassBike and partners began hosting an annual bike ride in honor of Kittie Knox.